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The problem with Russians using the pencil is graphite dust got into the spacecraft and eventually caused short circuits in the electronics causing numerous other issues.
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That’s really interesting! I did not know that, but it makes sense.
Also, in high oxygen atmosphere like in the capsules, graphite dust (and wood shavings if they didn’t use mechanical pencil) are highly flammable.
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Well, they shouldn’t be smoking in the Sputnik anyway. 
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it feels like we even asked for more…
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Didn’t know about that but a air filter looks cheaper than developing that pen.
The point is: Every time I watch "The space pen " Seinfeld’s episode, I can’t avoid to think about the pencil!!!
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